Low literacy skills continue to remain hidden

North Bay Literacy Council
News Release

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Awareness of the 42% of Canadians who have low literacy skills remains hidden. The students interviewed rarely disclosed to their health care provider that they have literacy issues. They are less likely to feel confident and ask questions. They also over estimate their literacy skills. On the other hand few health care providers had an accurate awareness of the frequency of low literacy skills or had any way to identify people with literacy issues. No wonder that there is frustration on both sides of the relationship.

Low literacy learners were generally satisfied with the care that they receive. They would, however like to have more time and simpler explanations. Health care providers had many appropriate communication skills that were tailored to the needs of people with low literacy skills. They were aware of the concerns people with low literacy have, namely time and health jargon.

Knowledge of the services that the North Bay Literacy Council can provide was not known by low literacy learners or health care providers. An opportunity for education of both low literacy learners and health care providers is necessary. Health care providers have received information that will facilitate awareness and interventions.

Recommendations

• The North Bay Literacy Council wants to increase it’s visibility in the community.

• Literacy Councils need increased funding and support.

• Tutor trainers and tutors need to be made aware of the opportunity to teach literacy through health information that is pertinent to the student.

• Health information resources for tutors need to be made available, both in house hard copies and online resources.

• Health information resources low literacy people (clear writing) need to be developed and promoted.

• Presentation packages need to be developed that can be made available to all literacy councils.

• Literacy councils across Ontario need to come together to support and promote the reading and understanding of health related information.

• Literacy councils need to have a Literacy and Health specialist on staff.

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